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5.0 out of 5 stars
Master African balaphone & drums with Bebop Sax/Piano!, January 11, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Ohene Kesee a Ebin (Audio CD)
Born in Ghana, Isaac Asante Okyerema is a Royal Drummer ("Okyerema") of the highest order. Mastering numerous traditions (Ashanti, Ga, Ewe, etc.), Asante was also one of the innovators of Highlife (a synthesis of traditional Ghanaian rhythms with popular musics), working with the ground breaking group "Hedzoleh Soundz". Asante came to the USA in the 1970's, touring with South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela & Hedzoleh Soundz("The Boys are Doing It", "Hugh Masekela Introduces Hedzoleh Soundz"), and later working with Paul Simon (Graceland Tour- concert video, "Rhythm of the Saints" album), Fleetwood Mac ("Tango in the Night"- concert video), World Saxophone Quartet (Selim Sivad: A Tribute to Miles Davis), Hamiet Bluiett ("Nali Kola", "If You Have to Ask, You Don't"), and his own big band project (Crabs in a Bucket). Asante masterfully incorporates traditional African drums (frontomfrom, atumpan [the true "talking drums"], apentema, kpanlogo, sogo, kidi) along with congas, ankle bells, chimes, shakers, cymbals, and assorted percussion into his massive setup, often playing many simultaneously! He plays with curved sticks (similar to those used on dondo or atumpan drums) in a style of his own invention. Asante is recognizable on stage by his traditional bull-horned helmet! "Ohene Kesee A Ebin" is a wonderful album of mostly traditional balaphone music (4 tracks), blended with Bebop sax/piano (on 2 tracks), and African drumming (2 tracks). Personnel: Balaphone, African drums, percussion, vocals (Asante), Sax (Plunky) & Piano (Doug Carns). Masterfully recorded at Mapleshade Studio, Maryland on September 5 & 6, 1992, this album uses no overdubs, only natural acoustics, and has a refreshing, clean, organic sound! Includes detailed liner notes by Pierre Sprey. HIGHLY RECOMMEMNDED!
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